SURPRISED: Jamie Carragher does not expect Mario Balotelli to be a Liverpool player next season [AFP]

Carragher, speaking in his role as a pundit for Sky Sports, slated Balotelli following the Italian's poor first-half performance in the Champions League game against Real Madrid and decision to swap shirts at the break with Pepe.

He said: "I'll be surprised to see him here next season.

"They left it too late to bring in players. They should have bought just two or three big names.

"Balotelli was just a panic signing. These types of players are continually moved on for a reason.

"He was by far Liverpool's worst player."

The Spanish side triumphed 3-0 at Anfield thanks to a Karim Benzema brace and a Cristiano Ronaldo strike.